although
carotenoids help to protect the chlorophylls from photodestruction
[24]. Therefore, the biosynthetic pathway of
chlorophylls might be more influenced by UV-B radiation
than that of carotenoids. The reduction in the chlorophylls
content may also be related to the
photomorphogenic effects found on plant biomass as
shown by the major alterations in plant height (Fig.
2), leaf shape and leaf area of the irradiated plants